At approximately 4 p.m. Wednesday, Officer Robert Johnson from the Indiana State Capitol Police was patrolling near the state capitol building when he recognized a woman believed to be the suspect in a vandalism case February 2nd in the Washington Street Parking Garage. Based on the photos Officer Johnson had received, he believed the female to be the suspect and approached her. During his encounter with her Officer Johsnon identified her as 34 year old Denise Honorio of Indianapolis, and developed probable cause to detain her, she was then transported to the Indiana State Police Post in Indianapolis for further investigation.
Indiana State Police Detectives interviewed Honorio and determined she was the same person in the photographs obtained from one of the damaged vehicles February 2. They worked closely with the Marion County Prosecutor and because it was determined the dollar amount of the vandalism met the felony threshold, she was was outright arrested based upon probable cause.
While taking an inventory of her belongings to transport her to jail, an Indiana Driver’s License was located in her pocket that belonged to someone else. State Police Detectives reached out to the owner of the driver’s license and learned she was the victim of a forcible robbery Friday February 2nd around 4:10 p.m. while walking along Capital Avenue in Indianapolis. That incident was being investigated by the IU Police Department in Indianapolis. Working closely with IUPD, it was determined that ISP would handle the robbery investigation along with the vandalism. Detectives believe the victim was assaulted and injured by Honorio before stealing her purse.
Indiana State Police Captain Bob Burke said. “I would like to commend Officer Johnson for his actions yesterday and dedication to his patrol efforts. His alertness and recognition of this suspect not only helped find the person we believe responsible for the vandalism, but also to connect other serious crimes linked to this same suspect and bring justice to the victims. This investigation is just one example of incredible collaboration by several central Indiana police agencies and we are thankful for those partnerships.”
The Indiana State Police would like to thank the community for the countless tips we received in this case, working directly with our community members undoubtedly increases safety for everyone.
Honorio faces the preliminary charges of:
- Robbery – Level 3 Felony
- Battery with Moderate Injury – Level 6 Felony
- Vandalism over $50,000 – Level 6 Felony
This investigation is ongoing, the arrest was based upon probable cause of a crime. Actual charges will be determined by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.